OHANAEZE Ndigbo and the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have resolved their differences.
A truce was brokered by a First Republic Aviation Minister, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi.
Both groups vowed to work harmoniously in the interest of region and its development.
They had been at loggerheads following an accusation that the highest Igbo socio-cultural organisation played a role in IPOB’s proscription.
Amechi told reporters at his Ukpor, Nnewi home that the bad blood between the two groups was unnecessary.
He said both bodies were fighting for the welfare of Ndigbo.
Amechi, the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement, said IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu withdrew his threat to stone Ohanaeze President-General Chief Nnia Nwodo.
The elder statesman urged Southeast governors and lawmakers from the region to work towards lifting the ban.
He said: “I summoned the two bodies to express my displeasure with what I have been reading in the newspapers about Kanu giving orders for the stoning of Chief Nwodo.
“I’m happy that even before this peace meeting, Kanu has retracted the statement.
“We, therefore, appeal to Nwodo to accept the retraction and get it off his mind as IPOB has agreed to work with them.
“The two bodies, realizing that it is the same battle they are fighting (for)…, have agreed to work together for the welfare of Ndigbo.”
IPOB’s representative, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed that Kanu had withdrawn his threat.
He said regional security would not be achievable without the de-proscription of the pro-Biafran body.
Ejimakor said: “IPOB has to participate as the muscle of building the security. There is a synergy between us and the Ohaneze. Nobody is leaving this place with acrimony.
“There’s peace in Igboland. Anybody coming in to take advantage of some leadership crises in Igboland is making a mistake.
“The Igbo are united and love themselves, otherwise, they couldn’t have sustained themselves during the three-year civil war. Whoever is saying anything contrary is sowing a seed of discord.”
Ohaneze Ndigbo representative, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said the body endorsed the communique issued after the meeting.
“Those who thought our fences are fallen will know that the fences are much stronger than they thought,” he said. (The Nation)
